As we prepare for flu season and the potential rise in COVID-19 cases this fall and winter, Washington state residents have access to free testing through vending machinelike kiosks across the state.
The initiative, launched by the state Department of Health in collaboration with local health jurisdictions and Tribal Nations, aims to improve public health access by providing the tests, and other health supplies, especially in rural areas and for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.
“DOH is taking a significant step towards ensuring the well-being of our communities,” state Secretary of Health Dr. Umair A. Shah said in a news release. “These 24/7 accessible kiosks exemplify our commitment to health equity, especially for underserved populations.”
As of July, all 20 testing kiosks are up and running and more than 5,100 COVID tests have been dispensed, according to DOH.
Each kiosk, at sites like food banks, transit stations, churches and libraries, holds about 700 tests. At least half need to be COVID-19 and flu tests provided by state health department, and local health officials can choose to add other products at their own costs. DOH says some expanded offerings include naloxone, fentanyl test strips, pregnancy tests and over-the-counter medications.
Feedback has been positive and participants advocated for its continuation, citing significant community impact and likely increased usage, particularly as respiratory illness seasons approach, according to DOH, which surveyed users as the program is set to conclude on Dec. 31.
For those looking to access these free tests, a list of kiosk sites can be found on the DOH website or at testandgo.com/kiosk-locator.
Free rapid at-home tests, limited to four per household, can also, once again, be ordered by mail from the federal government by visiting covidtests.gov.
When should I use my tests?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you take an at-home test if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed or potentially exposed to an individual with the virus.
Even if you don’t have symptoms and have not been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, using a self-test before gathering with others can help understand the risk of spreading the coronavirus. This is especially important before gathering with unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised or individuals at risk of severe disease, the CDC said.
A positive test result indicates that you likely have a current infection.
A negative test result shows that you may not be infected and may be at low risk of spreading disease to others, though it does not rule out an infection.
The latest C.D.C. self-testing guidance is available here.
The tests can detect current virus strains, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. You can get results within 30 minutes.
A positive result means you very likely have COVID-19. If you want to be confident that you don’t have COVID-19, the Food and Drug Administration recommends having two negative antigen tests for people with symptoms or three tests for those without symptoms, each performed 48 hours apart.
Before using any existing at-home COVID-19 tests, check the expiration date. Many of the tests have been given an extended expiration from the date listed on the box. They are listed on the FDA website.
